All articles tagged with #washington bridge
Rhode Island Democratic Gov. Dan McKee became the first U.S. governor in eight years to lose a primary, defeated by Helena Foulkes amid criticism of the Washington Bridge reconstruction that has faced delays and cost overruns; Foulkes’ campaign leaned into the project for the win as McKee’s handling of the bridge crisis contributed to his defeat.
Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee lost his Democratic primary to Helena Foulkes, becoming the first sitting governor to lose a primary since 1994, amid public anger over the Washington Bridge repairs that began in 2023 and are now delayed until 2028. Foulkes pledged unity and to push forward on the work, while McKee conceded and backed her for November. The vote also featured a progressive upset in Providence, where David Morales defeated mayor Brett Smiley.
Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee faces a tight Democratic primary rematch with Helena Buonanno Foulkes as voters weigh his handling of the Washington Bridge reconstruction, which is delayed and now not expected to reopen until 2028, while McKee contends with being outspent and broader anti-incumbent sentiment tied to high electricity rates and a housing shortage; the primary winner is seen as the likely general-election favorite.
Rhode Island Democratic Gov. Dan McKee faces a tough primary challenge from Helena Foulkes, driven by voter frustration over the Washington Bridge repairs and rising costs/delays. An August UNH poll shows McKee at 24% approval among Democrats, while Foulkes leads 56%–18%. The bridge project, announced in 2023 with a 2024 target but now extended to 2028 and $59 million more costly, has become a symbol of perceived governance failures. McKee defends the decisions, but opponents argue the project illustrates mismanagement as incumbents rarely lose primaries; the race centers on infrastructure and its political fallout.
Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee faces a tight Democratic primary rematch with Helena Buonanno Foulkes as anger over the Washington Bridge’s protracted reconstruction and delayed reopening (now pushed to 2028) dominates the race, compounding anti-incumbent sentiment amid concerns over traffic, energy costs, and housing ahead of the general election.
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee faces a high-stakes Democratic primary against Helena Foulkes, with the Washington Bridge traffic crisis becoming a symbol of voter frustration over costs and government responsiveness. The rematch from 2022 pits McKee’s incumbency record against Foulkes’ populist platform amid a broader anti-incumbent mood shaping the 2026 elections, including labor support shifts and debates over housing, energy, and safety.
Rhode Island has selected two finalists, Walsh Construction Company and a joint venture of American Bridge Company and MLJ Contracting, to compete for the contract to rebuild the Washington Bridge. This decision follows a revised procurement process after the initial bid attempt failed. The finalists will prepare detailed proposals, with a final selection expected by June 6. Governor Dan McKee acknowledged past missteps in handling the bridge's closure, while RIDOT Director Peter Alviti emphasized the importance of innovation and experience in the upcoming proposals.
The Hooters restaurant in Warwick, Rhode Island, has closed indefinitely due to the recent collapse of the Washington Bridge. The location had previously reopened in 2020 after being closed for five years due to roof damage from a snowstorm. Nearby Hooters locations in Dedham and Shrewsbury remain open.
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation opened a third eastbound lane on the Washington Bridge, causing delays during the morning commute. The completion of the third lane required adjustments to the speed limit and truck lanes, with further changes planned for the westbound lanes. Safety measures, including increased police and tow truck presence, are being implemented to address the recent increase in crashes on the bridge.
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee is set to announce the legal team hired to pursue action related to the Washington Bridge failure, causing the westbound side to be closed. The release of the forensic audit report has been delayed as a result, with McKee stating that he will coordinate with the legal team on its release. Despite Attorney General Peter Neronha offering assistance, McKee declined, emphasizing the need to confirm the safety of the bridge. The Biden Administration has announced over $60 million in transit formula funding for Rhode Island, but it's unclear if any will directly benefit the Washington Bridge.
Inspection reports spanning from 2014 to 2023 reveal that the Washington Bridge has faced accessibility challenges, including pigeon debris and design limitations, hindering thorough examinations despite issues such as rusting and cracking. The bridge was rated in poor condition but deemed safe until broken rods were discovered in December, prompting its shutdown and impending demolition. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and state leaders have expressed concerns about the inspection process, with an independent audit underway to investigate further.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg expressed the Biden administration's concern over the closure of the westbound Washington Bridge, emphasizing the national attention and the urgency to replace it swiftly. Buttigieg's visit to Rhode Island included a bridge tour, during which he discussed federal funding availability and the need to address the bridge issue promptly.
Rhode Island officials have provided thousands of documents to the U.S. Department of Justice regarding the westbound Washington Bridge, revealing text conversations between high-ranking state officials, including Gov. Dan McKee and R.I. Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti, as they scrambled to respond to the bridge's closure due to safety issues. The DOJ is investigating whether federal funds were misused, and the state is hopeful for federal funding to aid in the bridge's reconstruction.
Rhode Island's Governor announced that the Washington Bridge, a critical gateway to Providence, will need to be demolished and replaced due to additional structural deficiencies. The new bridge is expected to be completed between March and September of 2026, with an estimated cost of $250-300 million. The sudden closure in December caused significant traffic disruptions, and state officials are investigating the circumstances leading to the bridge's deterioration. The bridge carries nearly 100,000 vehicles daily and was rated as "poor" in the Federal Highway Administration's National Bridge Inventory.
The Washington Bridge, carrying I-195 between Providence and East Providence, has been plagued by construction and traffic issues for the past 30 years. The westbound bridge, which unexpectedly closed in December, now needs to be demolished and rebuilt at a cost of up to $300 million, with construction expected to continue into 2026. State officials have faced criticism over the situation, and motorists are bracing for years of traffic jams as the project unfolds.